ELG3175 Introduction to

Communication Systems

Lecture 14

Frequency Translation,
Frequency Division Multiplexing,
Superheterodyne Receivers
Frequency Translation
•  Suppose we have a modulated wave s1(t) whose
spectrum is centered around frequency f1 and we wish
to move it upward in frequency, so that its spectrum is
centered around f2.
•  This can be accomplished by multiplying s1(t) by
cos2π(f2-f1)t and passing it through a BPF.
Frequency Translation

s1(t)
x(t)
s2(t)

× BPF @ f2

cos2π(f2-f1)t

X(f) = 0.5S1(f-f2+f1)+0.5S1(f+f2-f1)

Frequency Translation

f1

-f2
-(f2-2f1)
f2-2f1
f2

Downward Frequency Translation
(Downconversion)

•  We can also decrease the frequency of a modulated

signal by multiplying by cos2π(f2-f1)t and then filtering
out the higher frequency (sum) component, and using
the lower frequency (difference) component.
Frequency Division
Multiplexing
•  When multiple signals are to be transmitted they can be
multiplexed in frequency by assigning different carrier
frequencies that are sufficiently spaced.
•  For example, in a DSB-SC system the messages m1(t),
m2(t) and m3(t) can be multiplexed by assigning
carriers Ac1cos2πf1t, Ac2cos2πf2t and Ac3cos2πf3t.
•  The signal that is transmitted on the common channel is
•  s(t) = Ac1m1(t) cos2πf1t+ Ac2m2(t) cos2πf2t+ Ac3m3(t)
cos2πf3t.
•  The spectrum of the signals are:
Frequency Division Multiplexing
Signal Separation
•  In the previous example, we can demodulate m1(t), for
example, by multiplying by cos2πf1t and using an LPF.
•  But in conventional AM or FM demodulation, the
detector requires 1 AM or 1 FM signal at its input.
•  Filtering is required.
–  Multiple RF filters?
–  Tunable RF filters?
–  Downconversion?
•  Superheterodyne Receiver combines tunable RF filters
with downconversion to produce a unique AM or FM
signal at the input to the detector
•  RF filter must be able to remove the image frequencies.
 Lecture 9

Superheterodyne Receiver
•  Most popular type of a radio receiver so far.
•  Used for AM/FM & TV broadcasting, cellular & satellite
systems, radars, GPS etc.
•  Main idea: downconvert RF signal to some fixed lower
(intermediate) frequency, then amplify it and detect.
Antenna

Baseband
output:
Incoming voice,
EM filed
AGC video, data

AFC may be used

 Lecture 9

Superheterodyne Receiver
•  RF amplifier: amplifies a weak RF signal coming out of the
antenna. Rejects the image frequency. Bandwidth: much wider
than the signal bandwidth.
•  Mixer: together with the local oscillator downconverts the RF
signal to the IF frequency band.
•  IF amplifier: amplifies the IF signal significantly (up to 10^6)
and rejects adjacent channel signals and interference (frequency
selectivity). Its bandwidth is the same as the signal bandwidth.
•  Detector (demodulator): demodulates (recovers) the message
signal.
•  AGC: adjusts the IF amplifier gain according to the signal level
(to keep the average signal amplitude almost constant)
•  Local oscillator: allows tuning the receiver to a desired channel
(frequency).